Battle for Influence Looms
As Lebanon Begins Rebuilding

By

Paul Lupinacci

Updated Aug. 16, 2006 12:01 a.m. ET

The next war in Lebanon begins today as the nation embarks on the overwhelming task of rebuilding the shattered country. In the coming weeks, hundreds of thousands will need food, water and shelter. Perhaps, an equal challenge for Lebanon's weak government: seizing the political initiative from a Hezbollah energized by its battlefield performance.

Reconstruction will be a test of wills between Hezbollah and those who want the Shiite...